Gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, angostura bitters, pineapple juice, lime juice, Benedictine liqueur and lots of ice. Shaken vigorously and served with mint leaves for garnish. Add a bowl of raw peanuts (in shell) and you’re basically in Raffles courtyard or Long Bar if you don’t mind a queue. Optional steamy weather doused with high humidity if you really want to recreate the scene but under Sydney’s rain clouds today, I’ll settle for the cocktail as described above especially as it’s always 5pm somewhere!!

I love a good cocktail and when ‘in Rome’ or rather Singapore, a Singapore Sling is a must-do! Preferably ordered at the iconic Raffles hotel, synonymous with its classic British colonial architecture and just under a fortnight ago, this was me… happy in happy hour living my best life.

Since our Aussie borders reopened post pandemic, Singapore (known for its Crazy Rich Asians) has been an on repeat, go-to destination of mine (I even featured in a Qantas travel insider clip…enticing people to go eat chili crab!) and from my recent trip, I am excited to report back that there are less masks, more “lahs” and so many escapades to be had!!

Tash tips:

1. Go Hawker Style! Singapore has so much variety in its food pickings. You just need to look up, stay curious and have an open mind (otherwise you could easily eat Shake Shack every day!) Singapore is a place where you can just as easily get a $1.30 tray of char kway teow (yes that is me eating my rice noodles off brown paper on the floor totally enjoying it) to a $1,300 plate of premium grade wagyu (I didn’t order this) with everything in between. On our last night, we made it to Lau Pa Sat whipping up our own shandys (sprite and tiger beer) to drink with our 200 chicken satay sticks under the festive lights on Robinson Street.

2. If it’s your first time or fifth time, do the touristy things and see them through a different lens each time. Be amazed by Gardens by the Bay and weirdly feel like you’re in Avatar surrounded by giant tree structures, pay the (redeemable) $30 at Cé La Vie and ride up the 57 levels of Marina Bay Sands (day or night) and marvel at how everything looks like Lego pieces because you are up so high. Singapore is seriously a feast for the eyes in every way possible!

3. Buy the “Chicago” popcorn from Garrett (so grateful there was one at Changi airport T1 departures) Don’t overthink it as the salty and sweet combo is sooo good… literally cheese and caramel popcorn pieces combined. Yes, I had a nanosecond delay too before nodding my head to purchase. Seriously new love affair.

So, whilst I go and get my shaker to mix up a few more Slings, please share any of your Singapore faves in 🧵. XOXO